Yellowstone aired on the Paramount Network, then moved to Paramount+

Yellowstone started on the Paramount Network (a cable channel) in 2018 for its first four seasons. In 2022, the show moved to Paramount+, the streaming service, where seasons 5 and 5B aired. If you want to watch the entire series from the beginning, you'll need access to both the cable reruns and the streaming platform, or you can stream all seasons through Paramount+.

The shift from cable to streaming happened because Paramount Global (the parent company) wanted to build its streaming audience. Paramount+ now holds the exclusive streaming rights to all five seasons, so that's the single place to watch the complete story without gaps.

Key Takeaways

  • Yellowstone seasons 1–4 originally aired on the Paramount Network cable channel between 2018 and 2021.
  • Seasons 5 and 5B moved to Paramount+ starting in 2022, where all five seasons are now available to stream.
  • Paramount+ is the only streaming service that carries Yellowstone; it is not on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other platforms.
  • You can watch reruns of earlier seasons on the Paramount Network cable channel if you have a cable subscription, but Paramount+ is the fastest way to binge the whole series.

How the show moved from cable to streaming

Paramount Network is a traditional cable channel owned by Paramount Global. When Yellowstone debuted there in June 2018, it was a cable-exclusive show—you needed a cable or satellite subscription to watch new episodes as they aired. The show ran four seasons on cable, with the season 4 finale airing in December 2021.

By 2022, Paramount Global had launched Paramount+ (its streaming service) and wanted to use major shows to attract subscribers. The company made the decision to move Yellowstone to Paramount+ for season 5. This meant new episodes would premiere on the streaming platform instead of on cable. Season 5 split into two parts: 5A aired in November 2022, and 5B aired in July 2023.

This is a common pattern in the streaming era. Networks use their biggest shows to drive subscriptions to their own streaming services rather than keeping them on cable, where ad revenue is lower and the audience is shrinking.

Where to watch each season right now

Paramount+ is the single source for all five seasons. You can stream seasons 1 through 5B in full on the platform with a Paramount+ subscription. This is the most straightforward way to watch the entire series without switching between services or hunting for reruns.

If you have a cable subscription that includes the Paramount Network, you may see reruns of seasons 1–4 in the cable on-demand library or during scheduled airings. However, cable on-demand libraries vary by provider and change over time, so availability is not may provide. Paramount+ is the reliable option.

Yellowstone is not available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or other major streaming services. Paramount Global keeps it exclusive to Paramount+ to encourage people to subscribe to their platform.

What you need to watch on Paramount+

You need a Paramount+ subscription. The service offers two tiers: Paramount+ with ads (the lower-cost option) and Paramount+ Premium (ad-free). Both tiers include access to all Yellowstone seasons. You can sign up directly through the Paramount+ website or through third-party platforms like Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime Video Channels, or Roku.

Paramount+ works on most devices: smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick), and gaming consoles. You can watch on one screen at a time with the basic subscription, though Premium allows simultaneous streams on multiple devices depending on your plan.

The service also includes other Paramount content—movies, other TV shows, and originals—so you're not paying only for Yellowstone.

Why Yellowstone left cable for streaming

Cable viewership has declined steadily over the past decade. Fewer people subscribe to cable packages, and those who do watch less traditional television. Streaming services, by contrast, are growing. Paramount Global made a business decision to move its flagship show to where the audience is moving.

Moving Yellowstone to Paramount+ also allowed the company to control the entire viewing experience. On cable, the show aired on a fixed schedule with ads and time slots. On Paramount+, viewers can watch whenever they want, binge entire seasons, and the company collects subscription revenue directly instead of relying on ad sales.

This strategy worked: Yellowstone became one of Paramount+'s most-watched shows and helped drive subscriber growth for the platform.

Spin-offs and related shows on Paramount+

Paramount+ has also become the home for Yellowstone spin-offs. 1883, a prequel series starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, aired on Paramount+ starting in December 2021. 1923, another prequel, launched in December 2023. Both are exclusive to Paramount+.

If you're interested in the Yellowstone universe beyond the main series, you'll find all of these shows on the same platform, so a single Paramount+ subscription covers the entire franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Yellowstone on Netflix?

No. Yellowstone is exclusive to Paramount+ and does not stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or any other service. Paramount Global keeps it on their own platform to encourage Paramount+ subscriptions.

Do I need cable to watch Yellowstone?

No. You only need a Paramount+ subscription. While reruns may air on the Paramount Network cable channel, the complete series and all new episodes are on Paramount+ streaming only.

Can I watch old seasons on Paramount Network cable?

Possibly, depending on your cable provider. Some providers include Paramount Network reruns in their on-demand libraries, but availability varies and is not may provide. Paramount+ is the reliable way to watch all seasons anytime.

Is Yellowstone still airing new episodes?

No. The series concluded with season 5B in July 2023. However, Paramount+ continues to offer the complete five-season series for streaming, and the spin-offs 1883 and 1923 are available if you want more stories from the Yellowstone universe.

What's the difference between Paramount+ with ads and Premium?

Paramount+ with ads is cheaper but includes advertisements during shows. Paramount+ Premium costs more but removes ads. Both include access to all Yellowstone seasons. Choose based on your budget and whether you mind watching ads.